The immune system in cardiovascular diseases: from basic mechanisms to therapeutic implications

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular immunology
• Immunology
• Cardiology

Background:

• The immune system critically regulates cardiovascular physiology and pathology.
• Chronic inflammation in atherosclerosis was an early observation, now supported by extensive research on immune involvement in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted role of the immune system in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
• To highlight advancements in understanding immune regulation and immunotherapy for CVDs.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on immunology and cardiovascular diseases.
• Analysis of technological advancements like multi-omics and immunotherapy (e.g., CAR-T cell therapy).
• Examination of innate and adaptive immunity pathways involved in CVDs.

Main Results:

• Innate and adaptive immunity, including TLR, NOD1/2, inflammasome, and RNA/DNA sensing pathways, are pivotal in CVDs.
• Multi-level regulations, including epigenetics and cell-cell interactions, govern immune responses in CVDs.
• Significant progress in immunotherapy preclinical and clinical studies for CVDs.

Conclusions:

• Immune system dysregulation is central to cardiovascular disease pathogenesis.
• Targeting immune pathways and utilizing immunotherapy present promising therapeutic avenues for CVDs.
• Further research into immune regulation and novel immunotherapies is crucial for advancing CVD treatment.